Day 1: Arriving to Hosteria Loma Larga
Make your way or get a private transfer to Hosteria Loma Larga.
Day 2: Mojanda Summit Climb
Gaining protected status in 2002, the Mojanda lakes are one of the most scenic areas in the north. The terrain is covered in the last remnants of high-altitude forest and the walking trails are dotted with wildflowers. Sometimes you can see the endangered Andean Condor flying overhead. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of numerous surrounding volcanic peaks and even Quito in the distance.
Day 3: Fuya Fuya Summit Climb
A short distance from Otavalo, Fuya Fuya (4,265m) is an extinct volcano whose peak is also the highest point around the Mojanda Lakes. The mountain is covered in tall grass, typical of the Andean paramo. The peak of Fuya Fuya has stunning views of many of Ecuador's snowcapped peaks such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Antisana. With a good eye you will also be able to spot Quito and Otavalo. This ascent is perfect preparation for climbing Andean peaks.
Day 4: Imbabura Summit Climb
Imbabura volcano is 8 km south of Otavalo overlooking the San Pablo Lagoon, which flows into the Peguche waterfalls. The volcano has not erupted for the past 14,000 years but is not believed to be inactive. Local farmers use the lower slopes for agricultural production as they are extremely fertile. The climb to the peak is a rocky one but is well worth the effort as the views from the peak are the surrounding Otavalo area are spectacular.
Day 5: Day off
After breakfast you will enjoy a day of rest at Hosteria Loma Larga. Optional, not included activities: Hiking, Visit of Roses farms (Monday to Friday), Biking or Horse Riding. Please check in reception for the organization of any of those activities.
Bikes are included for 5-star programs.
Day 6 & 7: Cayambe Climb
Volcano Cayambe is the 3rd highest volcano in Ecuador (5790m high). It is located in the Cayambe - Coca Ecological Reserve in the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes, 70 north-east of Quito. At the altitude of 4,690m on its south slope, is the highest point in the world crossed by the Equator and the only point on the Equator with snow cover.
Reaching the top may be very technical, and requires knowledge and mountaineering experience, however, the effort of climbing through the immense glacier and its massive ice, will arrive by sunrise, as the landscape of the northern hills of Quito and surrounding cities and lagoons such as Lago San Pablo and Laguna Cuicocha are discovered from the summit.
The climb takes between 5 - 7 hours while the decent will be around 2 hours. Professional ice equipment is necessary, as well as the presence of a professional guide.
Climbing at this altitude can be very difficult, so please be sure that you are well prepared. We recommend acclimatizing by spending at least six nights above 3000m climbing twice around 5000m in the same week. This can be achieved through a Gulliver acclimatization program such as the 7 or 5 day program. Following an acclimatization program offers a much higher chance of making a successful climb.
Day 8: Day off
After breakfast you will enjoy a day of rest at Hosteria Loma Larga. Optional, not included activities: Hiking, Visit of Roses farms (Monday to Friday), Biking or Horse Riding.
Day 9 & 10: Chimborazo Climb
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in the country and the northern Andes, with an elevation of 6,310m. Chimborazo is located in the cordillera occidental of the Andes of central Ecuador, 150km (93 miles) southwest of the capital Quito. Chimborazo's majestic summit rises 2,500 m above the surrounding highlands (3,500 to 4,000m) with a 20km wide base. The timetable is similar to the Cotopaxi tour but involves a longer climb of approximately 11 hours, which takes around 7-9 hours to the summit and 2-3 down, and includes a glacier training session, dinner, and a night at the refuge (4,800m). The climb is a real challenge and offers climbers the opportunity to break the magical 6,000m barrier.
Climbing at this altitude can be very difficult, so please be sure that you are well prepared. We recommend acclimatizing yourself by spending at least six nights above 3,000 m climbing twice around 5,000m in the same week. This can be achieved through a Gulliver acclimatization program such as the 7 or 5 day program. Following an acclimatization program offers a much higher chance of making a successful climb of Chimborazo.
